Sierra Leone Participates in Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference
Sierra Leone was among the countries represented at the 7th Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference (GOSH7), which concluded today in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The high-level event, held from May 4 to 6 under the theme “The Future of Occupational Safety and Health,” brought together international policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to address emerging global challenges in workplace safety.
Mr. Abdul Karim Conteh, Director of Occupational Safety and Health at Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, led the country’s delegation. He participated in technical and scientific sessions focused on modernizing safety practices, managing workplace risks, and leveraging new technologies for safer work environments.
Key topics at the conference included aligning national safety regulations with international standards, addressing mental health and climate-related workplace hazards, and fostering cross-border cooperation on occupational safety and health (OSH). Delegates also examined strategies to improve national capacities to mitigate occupational risks.
Sierra Leone’s involvement in the conference comes amid national efforts to overhaul outdated labour laws. The country is currently drafting a new Occupational Safety and Health Act to replace the decades-old Factories Act of 1974. The proposed legislation aims to bring Sierra Leone’s OSH framework in line with international norms and best practices.
The GOSH7 conference concluded with commitments to continued collaboration, including regional task forces, follow-up workshops, and a global OSH framework aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Mr. Conteh noted that the knowledge gained will bolster Sierra Leone’s efforts to institutionalize OSH standards and protect workers’ rights to safe and healthy workplaces.
